1797 H10C 15 Stars MS62 NGC. V-2, LM-1, R.3. The number of
stars immediately differentiates between three known obverse dies
of 1797 half dimes. It is believed that the 15 Stars coins were
struck first, followed by the 16 Stars coins, and then the 13 Stars
pieces. The obverse die with 15 stars was certainly created in
early 1796, remaining unused for more than six months.
We know that Kentucky was the 15th state, and Tennessee, admitted
on June 1, 1796, was the 16th state. Therefore, the 15 Stars
obverse die was made prior to June 1, 1796, probably with just the
179 of the date entered into the die. The 17th state was Ohio,
admitted in 1803, so the 16 Stars obverse dies could have been made
anytime in 1797. Finally, later in 1797 Robert Scot realized that
there was no more room for additional stars, and a decision was
made to limit all coins to just 13 stars.
A typical soft strike at the center is surrounded by sharp
peripheral details. Both sides have satiny silver luster with hints
of heather and darker iridescence. Census: 11 in 62, 26 finer
(2/08).(Registry
values: P6) (NGC ID# 22ZZ, PCGS# 4258)